The Paradox of Purpose: Working Towards a World That No Longer Needs Us

As I reflect on a recent encounter in Lusaka, Zambia, during the World Aquaculture Society Conference, I am moved to share an insight that struck me as both profound and paradoxical. It was during a meeting with twelve bright young men and women from Ghana and Kenya, being trained by WorldFish in fish pathology for their master's degrees, that this revelation dawned upon me.

These individuals, brimming with potential and enthusiasm, represent the future scientists and leaders in our ongoing battle against some of the world's most pressing issues – overexploitation of natural resources, climate change, hunger and malnutrition, stark inequality, and poverty. In the brief time spent with them, their passion and dedication were palpable, and it was in this context that I was asked to impart some words of encouragement.

What I said in response was spontaneous, yet it has stayed with me, compelling me to pen this blog – my last task before taking a much-needed break for the year. I told them about the unique nature of our work in sustainable development, a field that thrives on a seemingly irrational yet profoundly meaningful paradox. We are working tirelessly towards a goal that, in its ultimate realization, would render our careers obsolete. We aspire to see a world that no longer needs us to fix its problems.

This thought might seem counterintuitive at first glance. Why would anyone invest their career in an effort that aims to eliminate the need for their expertise? But this is what makes a career in sustainable development so uniquely gratifying. We are driven by the ambition to create a world that is self-sustaining, equitable, and free from the issues that currently plague it. It's a career path where success is measured not by the perpetuation of our roles but by the eventual redundancy of them.

This perspective is what sets apart those who choose to dedicate their lives to sustainable development. It’s not about building a career on the problems of the world, but rather, it’s about resolving these problems to such an extent that our intervention becomes unnecessary. It's a selfless approach to professional fulfillment, where the ultimate success lies in the obsolescence of our roles.

In a world where career choices are often driven by personal advancement and the pursuit of perpetual relevance, choosing a path that aims for its eventual redundancy for the greater good is both odd and extraordinarily noble. I am not sure there are many other career choices that offer such a profound sense of meaning and purpose.

As I left the young scholars in Lusaka, I felt a sense of pride and optimism. They are the embodiment of this paradox of purpose – the new generation of professionals who are willing to work themselves out of a job for the betterment of our world. And in this lies the true essence of sustainable development – a field where our greatest achievement would be to see a world that no longer requires our services.

So, to all aspiring and current professionals in this field, let this be a reminder of the unique and impactful path we have chosen. We are working towards a future where our jobs as we know them are no longer needed, and in that, there is an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and purpose.

As I clock out for the rest of the year, I carry with me this paradoxical truth, a beacon that guides my work and reaffirms my commitment to a sustainable future.